One Man's Dream...

[taosports]

I was out near the Golden Gate Bridge today when I spotted Vladimir Yarets smoking next to his 650GS. Hard to miss him with his yellow panniers. Anyway, I went up to him to introduce myself and right away, I knew there must be a language barrier. Through his gestures, body language, and a well worn journal he pulled out, I learned he was on an epic trip around the world. His journal explained that he was deaf and mute and that his goal was to enter the Guiness Book as the first deaf and mute individual to travel around the world by motorcycle.

He left Minsk, Belarus, a former republic of Russia on May 27, 2000 on a 1990 Jawa 350. In 2003, near Peoria, he took a spill which landed him in the hospital. His bike was totaled but a local BMW dealer apparently gave him a new 650 so that he could continue his trip...how cool is that! Anyway, you can read about his trip here : http://www.yarets.com/index_eng.html

He is in SF right now hoping to head west soon to Australia and the far east. He and D.J. will have to hook up for some rides.





Yes, his panniers are actually Samsonite suitcases strapped to his bike. On this one is his map showing where he has been so far...including 50 US states.


Not surprisingly, he draws a crowd including these Harley riders.


So, a big thumbs up back to you Vladimir...keep living your dream!

[DJ Downunder]

Great story...great pics...I will be looking out for him...

DJ

[wncbmw]

There have been several threads on him on various boards since he arrived, both before and after his crash. Good to see him back on the road!

[bad n ruin]

and pics. In many ways, he's a lucky man - to be so focused and driven and to be so well received and respected for it. I envy the courage and spirit.

[1MPH]

Michael, Great write up and even better pictures. I can never see enough pictures of the bay area. Thanks.

Jack

[beekstersocal]

that was great the guy kinda looked like earnist borgnine

[vinman]

What an awesome thing to do with your life! Man, I wish I had the guts and money to do something like that.

[erock1150]

I was crossing the GG Bridge and saw this guy pull into the lookout where you took your photos. I was thinking what is up with the suitcases? Thanks for the info and photos and Glad to know his story.


eRoCk

[chibbert]

Very cool story - the first I have heard of this guy but I don't visit other MC sites anywhere. A nifty story - hope he succeeds.

Chris

[toner87]

I saw this guy riding west on Geary in San Francisco today. There was a light rain, but it obviously didn't stop him... I wonder if he's hanging out in the Russian neighborhood near where I live... Those are certainly some roomy cases he has!
T.